10 Aug 2020
Key Facts
Qualification purpose
Prepare for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area
Qualification Grading Type
Pass
Assessment Methods
Why choose this qualification?
These qualifications are intended to provide learners with a broad introduction to the music sector, equipping learners with underpinning knowledge and skills specific to the sector alongside a range of transferable employability skills. They are designed to support progression to further learning and ultimately to work in music or other related sectors.
The Skills for Music and Music Technology qualifications form part of our Suite of Skills qualifications that cover a number of sectors and are available at Level 1 and Level 2. The employability skills units are common across the suite, enabling easy transfer of credits between qualifications and supporting opportunities for cross-faculty working.
The qualifications have been developed with the support of a number of further education colleges, training providers and adult and community learning providers. They have been designed to be consistent with the principles for study programmes for 16-19 year olds but are also relevant, particularly in the case of the smaller qualifications, for adults including the unemployed. These qualifications are also suitable for pre 16 learners.
Changes to our “Skills for…” qualifications
The recent review of our Vocational qualifications has resulted in changes to qualifications in the Music and Music Technology sector that will come in to effect as of the 1st August 2020. Please refer to the new Skills for Music and Music Technology qualification specification or unit spreadsheet for further details.
Rules of Combination
Learners must complete a total of 39 credits. They must complete the unit in the Mandatory Group (M), totalling 3 credits. In addition, they must complete a minimum of 26 credits from Group O1 (Optional units - Music and Music Technology) and 10 further credits from either Group O1 or O2 (Optional units – Employability, English and Maths). At least 25 credits must be at Level 2. Learners cannot include more than one unit with the same or similar title.
Units
Learners must complete 3 credits from this group.
Working in the Music Industry
Learners must take a minimum of 26 credits from this group.
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
DJing Skills
Using DJ Skills
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
MIDI and Audio Techniques
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
MIDI Sequencing and Software
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Multi-Track Audio Recording
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Music for Performance
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Music Improvisation and Performance Skills
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Music Marketing and Promotion
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Music Production and Remixing Techniques
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Music Sequencing and Production
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Music Skills for Solo Performance
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Musical Ensemble Skills
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Rehearsal Skills
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Song Writing Skills
Song Writing Skills in Popular Music
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Sound Effect Techniques for Music Production
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Sound and Audio Production Skills
Sound and Music Production
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Sound Production and Recording
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Using Aural Skills in Music
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Using the Internet as a Medium for Music
A maximum of 10 credits may be completed from group O2a, O2b and O2c.
A maximum of 10 credits may be completed from group O2a, O2b and O2c.
Applying for a Job
Career Planning
Communication Skills for Work
Customer service skills
Digital Skills for Work
Exploring Entrepreneurship
Exploring and Presenting Enterprise Ideas
Health and Safety in the Workplace
Interview Skills
Introduction to Self-Employment
Leadership Skills
Making the most of work placement
Negotiation Skills
Numeracy Skills for Work
Searching for a Job
Self-Management Skills for Work
Setting and Meeting Work-Related Targets
Skills for Creative Thinkers
Skills for Effective Participants
Skills for Independent Enquirers
Skills for Reflective Learners
Solving Work-Related Problems
Time Management
Working in a Team
Working with Colleagues
A maximum of 10 credits may be completed from group O2a, O2b and O2c.
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Engage in Discussion
Engage in Discussion
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Listen and Respond
Listen and Respond
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Read for Information
Read for Information
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Read for Purpose and Meaning
Read for Purpose and Meaning
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Speak to Communicate
Speak to Communicate
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Write Fluently and Accurately
Write with Accuracy
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Write to Communicate
Write to Communicate
A maximum of 10 credits may be completed from group O2a, O2b and O2c.
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Making Calculations
Making Calculations
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Money, Time and Temperature
Money, Time and Temperature
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Numbers, Decimals, Fractions and Percentages
Numbers, Decimals, Fractions and Percentages
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Numerical Relationships, Algebra and Ratio
Numerical Relationships, Algebra and Ratios
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Using and Communicating Data
Using and Communicating Data
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Using Probability
Using Probability
Learners may choose 1 unit from this group.
Using Size, Shape and Space
Using Size, Shape and Space
What is the purpose of this qualification?
This qualification is suitable if you need a comprehensive level 2 course in music and/or music technology. It will be of specific relevance to:
• Young people who are aspiring to a career in the music industry but are not yet sure in which precise area, and who intend to access level 3 qualifications or a level 3 apprenticeship but need a comprehensive learning programme at level 2 before they will be ready to access level 3.
• Young people and adults usually with prior attainment at level 1 and below, including those who have had a significant break from or disjointed experience of education, who wish to work in the music industry but need a comprehensive grounding in the subject and an opportunity to develop more general workplace skills over an extended period before identifying the most appropriate job roles and applying for work.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
This qualification provides you with an extended range of introductory skills, as well as core knowledge, relevant to music and music technology, alongside generic employability skills which are needed both in the music industry and across other sectors. You must take the following mandatory unit:
• Working in the music industry
Optional units include knowledge and skills relevant to different job roles in the music industry (such as music production and remixing skills, music marketing and promotion, song-writing skills, and music for performance) alongside generic employability skills (such as time management and setting and meeting targets at work).
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
This qualification is part of a suite which includes an Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma.
The learners should take the Diploma if, before progressing to a level 3 Apprenticeship, a Level 3 qualification, or to employment (with further training where possible), the learners need a comprehensive introduction to the music industry including the opportunity to build up a range of skills and knowledge, explore a number of potential job roles and career pathways in the industry, and gain a set of more generic workplace skills.
The Diploma will be suitable but the learner would benefit from an extended period of time working at level 2, up to 2 years, before they are ready to progress to a level 3 qualification or apprenticeship or to employment.
Which sector does this qualification support?
The learner could progress from this qualification to an entry-level job role in the music industry such as a studio assistant or assistant venue manager or to become an apprentice where you might be working as a recording assistant, an assistant publicist, a radio plugger or a live sound, mastering or broadcast sound engineer.
What are the progression options?
The learners can progress to a level 3 certificate or diploma in music and/or music technology, including Technical level qualifications, or to a relevant Advanced Apprenticeship in any of the available pathways.
Progression & Entry Requirements
The learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification. The qualification is available to learners aged 16 and over.Funding information
Learning Aims Search
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View this qualification on the ESFA’s Hub website
We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.
This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.
The following support materials will help you to deliver this qualification.
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Related Qualifications
- Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Extended Certificate in Skills for Music and Music Technology
- Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Music and Music Technology
- Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Award in Skills for Music and Music Technology
- Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Diploma In Skills for Music and Music Technology